Chapter 108: Defending Against the Enemy at Blue Lake

Liu Li walked slowly back to his chambers, bathed in the warm and gentle autumn sun, his mind preoccupied with two pressing questions.

First, was the Empress Dowager truly his biological mother? And if so, how should he face this truth? If not, how should he reconcile this reality?

Second, when would the affairs of love and the bittersweet entanglements of youth touch his life? And how might he resist the advances of countless beautiful maidens vying for his favor?

For so many years, Liu Li had grown up surrounded by an atmosphere of melancholy. The Empress Dowager was the sole source of warmth in this vast, cold palace, the one person he never doubted. Though she was domineering, cold, and capricious, he never resented her. Instead, he strove to become the best and most excellent version of himself, hoping to bring her joy.

Yet, all of this seemed to be a solitary performance—his old wounds were the very fuel that propelled him forward amid adversity, gradually transforming into his wisdom and armor.

Survival of the fittest: in the intricate politics of the imperial court, Liu Li had cultivated a delicate heart and a keen eye. He understood everything, but chose not to expose all truths.

Two decades had passed in a blink, and Liu Li had matured; it was time for a profound transformation.

Returning to his chambers, exhausted and longing for rest, Liu Li was startled to find a man standing inside.

Startled, he sighed deeply and said calmly, “Grand Priest, how did you get in here?”

“Your Majesty, I can no longer assist you. Take care of yourself!” the man replied.

Liu Li’s heart jumped. He quickly approached him. “You’re not Mufan. Who are you?”

“That’s none of your concern. I didn’t come here to say goodbye—only to ask you one question.”

Liu Li scrutinized the man carefully and a flicker of joy stirred within him. “You’re the one who has been helping me? The one protecting my life and resolving my troubles?”

The man nodded, still facing away from Liu Li, dressed similarly to the Grand Priest.

“I wondered who possessed such wisdom and means. So, you’re a helper from Tianshan! The Grand Priest sent you down the mountain to aid me?”

“Stop asking. The predicament has been resolved. Since you have seen through many truths, do not show mercy anymore. It is time to do what is right. The road ahead will be even more difficult, and you cannot always rely on help. I came down the mountain for other reasons.”

“The benefactor mentioned wanting to ask me something. If it concerns this matter, please speak plainly.”

“Regarding the case of the Consort Shu, have you found any suspicious clues? This concerns not just the Northern Hua Court but also the martial world and cultivation sects—matters that affect the entire realm. Will you tell me?”

Liu Li nodded. “Yes! I know this case is deeply entangled. Upon investigation, I found it to be so. First, the poison that killed Consort Shu was a rare divine medicine from the Pingliang Kingdom, something very difficult for ordinary people to obtain, with scant records. Secondly, there is something relating to the Western Sea Prefecture. The sacred medicine I found in my wine cup this time was verified by the court physician to be their sect’s holy herb.”

“So the royal family is colluding with other rulers, perhaps even martial sects? Such audacity indicates they are supremely confident. The forces behind this must not be underestimated!”

“Indeed. Benefactor, do you have further instructions?”

“The villain behind the Qingniao Lake incident is still alive. I advise you to remain vigilant. After all, mortal strength is always too feeble against cultivators. Though Tianshan bears the responsibility of maintaining peace, it requires cooperation and effort from the mortal realm. While we cannot come down often, should you seek aid, you may consult the Grand Priest. If you are outside the palace, I can teach you a spell to summon Tianshan disciples.”

“Your kindness is appreciated. However, spells require spiritual roots, and I—”

“Do not belittle yourself. Anyone who can wield the Blood Moon Divine Pearl with ease is no ordinary person. Your spiritual root is even stronger than many Tianshan disciples. Learn from me now. Should you attain immortal status in the future, you can master it yourself—it will be a valuable skill.”

He taught Liu Li the summoning technique, which he mastered quickly, causing Lan Shui to nearly doubt his identity.

Yet, recalling that he was an emperor, Lan Shui’s doubts faded, and he answered his master’s summons and left.

Due to urgent intelligence, Lan Shui did not hesitate to depart from the palace.

Passing through the forest and reaching Blue Lake, he suddenly noticed faint white dots moving upon the icy blue surface.

Descending through the clouds to get a closer look, Lan Shui witnessed the following:

Three Tianshan disciples dressed in white, flying across Blue Lake in formation. They appeared to be practicing martial arts, yet their laughter and playful demeanor suggested they were at ease, not serious.

Lan Shui shook his head helplessly and sent a feathered dove back to Snow Bamboo Village to inform Qian Gui Tianzun.

“It seems I must teach them a lesson! Who dares to come to Blue Lake to practice so carelessly?”

Snow Ze and Lotus held hands as they turned to leave. Ji Lin hurried after them. Since Lotus’s skill was insufficient, Snow Ze and Lotus let go, leaving Ji Lin unsure whom to follow. Snow Ze spun around and knocked him down.

“Sister, you ambushed me!”

“Brother, you still can’t wield this sword properly!”

Snow Ze and Lotus stood on the sword, teasing Ji Lin. Ji Lin sneered, flipping back onto the sword to face them.

“You two are bullying me—it’s unfair!”

“Today we compete in sword control; the victor is decided accordingly!” Lotus laughed and made a face at Ji Lin. “Second Brother, if it were Senior Brother, he wouldn’t be like you!”

Ji Lin snorted. “Of course not. Senior Brother is far more skilled—how could he be fooled by you two?”

“We all wield the same sword, and you have higher cultivation than us. How can you say we’re bullying or cheating you?” Snow Ze smiled. “You should focus more on your basics!”

Ji Lin was displeased, looking around and muttering, “In battle, it’s not just about basics!”

Snow Ze and Lotus were about to reply when Ji Lin’s expression suddenly turned fearful. He shouted, “Sister, be careful!”

Before the two sisters could react, Ji Lin pushed them aside and engaged in combat alone with a nearby figure.

Snow Ze and Lotus felt the atmosphere shift instantly and looked over to see a man dressed in black fighting Ji Lin.

The man’s moves were extraordinary and his magic strange; despite standing on Blue Lake, he countered Ji Lin’s spells with ease.

“Who is this?”

“How did a stranger infiltrate Blue Lake?”

They hesitated, then saw the man suddenly strike, knocking Ji Lin down, causing him to fall off the sword.

Fearful of Ji Lin falling into the lake, Snow Ze quickly used her supreme lightness skill to rescue him.

“Second Brother, see! Not injured by a major move, but falling into the lake because your sword control is unstable!”

Ji Lin coughed awkwardly and whispered, “This man is no ordinary fighter. To infiltrate Blue Lake unharmed and break Tianshan magic… Should you report this?”

“How can we?”

“We face this together!”

Ji Lin stood beside Snow Ze, the three aligned to confront the enemy.

“Who are you?” Snow Ze demanded.

The man remained silent but summoned profound magical power effortlessly, astonishing them. Though he used no specific spells, every move was formidable.

“Be careful!”

Snow Ze and Ji Lin dodged several attacks. Despite their combined efforts, they struggled to block him. Fortunately, the man showed no intent to kill.

“He’s so powerful even with his back turned. We should report this!” Lotus said.

Snow Ze shook her head. “This is Tianshan territory. If he’s an enemy, we must handle him. If he’s an insider…”

Ji Lin smiled tightly, clenching his fists. “Lotus, stay back. You have no skills—don’t get involved!”

Lotus was about to protest but was trapped with Snow Ze at the center of Blue Lake, unable to move.

“Sister, now’s the time to use what Master taught us!”

“All right! Let’s test our skills!”

They unleashed the secret spells their master had taught them. They showed no mercy, yet the man remained unharmed, seemingly knowing how to counter every spell.

“Even the Ice and Snow Sword can be countered?”

Ji Lin was stunned. “I don’t understand this man. Could he be an insider?”

Snow Ze and Ji Lin exchanged glances and flew toward the man. Close combat magic should be unavoidable, right?

A cold wind swirled, frost and snow drifting on the breeze toward the man. Snow Ze and Ji Lin seized the opportunity to engage in close quarters combat.

His strength was robust, and his martial arts foundation was no weaker than Snow Ze’s—he was no match for her.

However, Ji Lin suffered more; the man seemed to show mercy toward Snow Ze, barely touching her.

They were astonished to face such a formidable opponent, one who could stand calmly on Blue Lake and break the spells of the Qian Gui Sect.

Ji Lin pulled Snow Ze back a short distance, clutching his chest. “Sister, try your magical artifact!”